JP3763758B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
  The present invention pays out a predetermined number of game media based on the establishment of a prize, such as a pachislot machine or a ball slot machine, and forcibly pays out the game media in the game media payout device based on the operation of the forced payout switch. It relates to such a gaming machine.
[0002]
[Prior art]
  The conventional technology will be described by taking a pachislot machine as a typical game machine as an example. When a prize is established in the symbol matching game, the pachislot machine pays out award coins (a type of game medium) corresponding to the prize mode to a tray. The award coin is paid out by operating a hopper as a coin payout device.
[0003]
  The hopper is provided with a forced payout function for forcibly discharging the stored coins. That is, when the forced payout switch is turned on, a coin payout operation is performed regardless of the symbol matching game. The forced payout function is provided to temporarily withdraw the stored coins when removing foreign matter that has entered the device or cleaning the inside of the device.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
  By the way, if the conventional forced payout switch is turned on, the coin is immediately discharged. Therefore, some players may turn on the forced payout switch from the outside by using a fraudulent operation tool such as a cell board. There are some unscrupulous people who get illicitly. In this case, since the front door is closed or only slightly opened, the coins that have been forcibly paid out follow the same path as the coins that have been paid out as a prize and are discharged to the tray. It is difficult to detect cheating from outside.
[0005]
  If the forced payout function is eliminated, such fraudulent acts can be prevented, but the coins stored in the hopper must be removed by hand during cleaning, etc. The labor of will increase. For this reason, eliminating the forced payout function has been a problem.
[0006]
  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and provides a gaming machine capable of preventing illegal acts from the outside with a simple configuration without impairing the original forced payout function of the game medium payout device. The purpose is to do.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  The present invention has been proposed in order to achieve the above object, and according to the present invention, the game medium payout device is operated to pay out a predetermined number of game media based on establishment of a prize, and In a gaming machine comprising a payout control means for operating a game medium payout device based on an operation of a forced payout switch to forcibly pay out game media in the device,
  The payout control means includes:
  Forced payout information output means for outputting forced payout information on condition that the operation on state of the forced payout switch has continued for the monitoring reference time or more;
  Based on the forced payout information from the forced payout information output means, forced payout operation executing means for executing a game medium payout operation by the game medium payout device;
  A forced payout operation stopping means for stopping the game medium payout operation executed by the forced payout operation executing means;
IncludingSee
  Provided with an abnormal state notification means for notifying an abnormal state on condition that the forced discharge switch has changed to a state other than ON within the monitoring period starting from the ON operation of the forced discharge switchIt is a gaming machine characterized by this.
[0008]
  What is claimed in claim 2When the game medium payout operation is executed by the forced payout operation execution means, the game medium payout operation is not stopped until all the game media stored in the game medium payout device are discharged. The gaming machine according to claim 1.
[0009]
  Claim3In the case described in the above, the game medium payout device can be stored, and a housing main body portion having an installation space whose front surface is open, and one side portion is pivotally attached to the housing main body portion to provide an opening surface of the installation space. A front door that can be opened and closed, a front door open / close detection switch that can detect the open / closed state of the front door, and a front door open state determination means that can determine the open state of the front door based on a detection signal from the front door open / close detection switch The forced payout switch is disposed in a closed space formed by the closed front door and the casing main body,
  SaidThe forced payout information output means outputs the forced payout information on the condition that the operation state of the forced payout switch has continued for the monitoring reference time or longer with the front door open state determining means determined to be in the open state. Claim 1 characterizedOr claim 2The gaming machine described in 1.
[0010]
  Claim4According to the present invention, there is at least a mounting portion and a side wall portion attached to the back side of the front door at a position corresponding to the forced payout switch on the back side of the front door, and a storage empty space whose rear surface is open. A storage space forming member is formed,
  The forced payout switch is stored in a state surrounded by a storage space forming member when the front door is closed.3The gaming machine described in 1.
[0011]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Here, FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachislot machine 1 which is a typical gaming machine, and FIG. 2A is a front view of the pachislot machine 1 with the front door 2 opened.
[0012]
  The illustrated pachislot machine 1 includes a box-shaped housing body 3 whose front surface on the player side is open and whose rear surface is closed, and a hinge body (not shown) on the left and right sides of the housing body. The front door 2 is pivotally attached to one side of the portion 3, and the opening surface of the housing body 3 can be opened and closed by the front door 2.
[0013]
  As shown in FIG. 2 (a), a shelf plate 4 is installed in the horizontal direction at the center of the upper and lower sides of the housing body 3 to divide the empty space vertically. The upper empty part 5 above the shelf board 4 is used as a space in which the variable display unit 6 and the game control device 7 are installed, and the lower empty part 8 below the shelf board 4 discharges coins. This is a space for installing the hopper 9 (medal paying part), the power supply unit 10 and the like.
  The hopper 9 is a kind of game medium payout device in the present invention, and the lower side empty portion 8 corresponds to the installation space in the present invention.
[0014]
  A front door opening / closing detection switch 11 for detecting the open / closed state of the front door 2 is provided at the front end of the shelf plate 4 and on the other left and right sides. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2B, the switch case 12 is a so-called push button type including a switch case 12 and a columnar detector 13 attached to the switch case 12 so as to be movable in the front-rear direction. When the front door 2 is in the closed state, the detector 13 is pushed in and the detection signal is turned on. In the opened state, the detector 13 is moved back to the front and the detection signal is turned off.
  That is, the front door open / close detection switch 11 has a detector 13 that can be moved in and out of the switch case 12, detects the open state of the front door 2 in the protruding state of the detector 13, and pushes in the detector 13. Thus, the closed state of the front door 2 is detected.
[0015]
  The front door open / close detection switch 11 may have any configuration as long as it can detect the open / closed state of the front door 2. For example, a photo sensor and a light shielding plate may be combined, and one may be attached to the housing body 3 side and the other to the front door 2 side. In this configuration, when the front door 2 is opened, the light shielding state of the photosensor by the light shielding plate is released, so that it can be electrically detected that the front door 2 is opened.
  And if it is set as the structure which has the detector 13 which can be projected and retracted with respect to the switch case 12 like this embodiment, since it is difficult to make the detector 13 protrude without opening the front door 2, it is high crime prevention. An effect can be obtained.
[0016]
  The variable display unit 6 disposed in the upper empty space 5 includes a first reel 14 on the left side in the drawing, a second reel 15 in the center on the left and right sides, a third reel 16 on the right side, and the reels 14 to 16. The reel drive unit 17 (see FIG. 3) is individually controlled for rotation. Each reel 14-16 is arrange | positioned so that a surrounding surface may become a vertical direction, and several variable display symbols are described on this surrounding surface. Therefore, when the reels 14 to 16 are rotated, the variable display symbol can be scrolled in the vertical direction, and when the rotation of the reels 14 to 16 is stopped, the scroll of the variable display symbol can be stopped.
[0017]
  The hopper 9 includes, for example, a substantially funnel-shaped coin storage unit 20 and a discharge mechanism 21 that is provided at the bottom of the coin storage unit 20 and discharges coins on the bottom one by one. The discharge mechanism 21 includes, for example, a disc-shaped discharge plate in which a plurality of grooves into which one coin can be fitted is formed in the circumferential direction, and a motor with a speed reducer that rotationally drives the discharge plate. , The coin fitted in the groove is discharged from the hopper outlet 22.
[0018]
  An overflow discharge port 23 is provided on the side surface of the coin storage unit 20. The overflow discharge port 23 is for discharging a predetermined amount or more of coins to the outside, and communicates the inside and outside of the coin storage unit 20. The coins discharged from the overflow discharge port 23 are collected in a collection box 24 arranged on the side of the hopper 9. The collection box 24 is a box-like body having an open top surface, and the top surface opening is positioned immediately below the overflow discharge port 23. Further, a coin detection sensor 25 is provided in the collection box 24 at a predetermined height.
[0019]
  The power supply unit 10 is disposed on the side of the hopper 9 opposite to the collection box 24. This power supply unit 10 supplies operation power to each part in the pachislot gaming machine 1 such as the above-described variation display unit 6 and game control device 7. A forced payout switch 26 is provided in the upper front side of the power supply unit 10, in other words, in a closed space formed by the front door 2 and the housing body 3. The forced payout switch 26 is operated when a forced coin payout operation by the hopper 9 is executed or when the forced payout operation being executed is stopped.
[0020]
  The forced payout switch 26 in the present embodiment is constituted by a toggle switch, and is disposed in a state where the lever can be operated in the vertical direction. As shown in FIG. 2C, the forced payout switch 26 is normally in a neutral state (solid line state), and is switched on when the lever 27 is tilted upward from the neutral state. On the other hand, when the lever 27 is tilted downward from the neutral state, the switch is turned off. Then, an on signal is output over the period during which the on operation is performed, and an off signal is output over the period during which the off operation is performed. In the normal state, neither the on signal nor the off signal is output.
  The illustrated toggle switch is returned to the neutral state by the force of the return spring when the external force is released. Therefore, when the hand is released from the lever 27 during the ON operation or OFF operation, the ON / OFF state is released.
[0021]
  Then, the game control device 7 (corresponding to the payout control means of the present invention) executes the forced payout operation of the award coin based on the on signal from the forced payout switch 26, and the compulsory being executed based on the off signal. The payout operation is stopped. This forced payout operation will be described in detail later.
[0022]
  Next, the structure of the front surface in the pachislot gaming machine 1 will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, this pachislot machine 1 is provided with an operation unit 30 provided substantially at the center in the height direction on the front side, a variable display window 31 provided above the operation unit 30, and a lower part of the front surface. And a coin tray 32.
[0023]
  The variable display window 31 has a rectangular shape that is slightly longer to the side, and a transparent member (a glass plate, a resin plate, or the like) is attached to make the reels 14 to 16 of the variable display unit 6 visible to the player. .
[0024]
  The operation unit 30 includes a start button 33, a push button type first reel stop button 34 corresponding to the first reel 14, a push button type second reel stop button 35 corresponding to the second reel 15, and the third reel 16. Corresponding push button type third reel stop button 36, coin insertion part 37 for inserting coins, 1 bet button 38 for setting a bet line by consuming "1" credits, and maximizing by consuming credits It consists of a MAX bet button 39 and the like for setting a bet line up to a number.
[0025]
  The coin receiving tray 32 is a storage receiving portion that stores coins discharged from the hopper 9, and is constituted by a recess having an open upper surface. The coin tray 32 and the hopper outlet 22 communicate with each other through the coin discharge port 40 when the front door 2 is closed.
[0026]
  Next, the electrical configuration of the pachislot machine 1 will be described with reference to FIG.
[0027]
  The pachislot gaming machine 1 is configured to control each part such as the variable display unit 6 and the hopper 9 by the game control device 7. That is, the game control device 7 functions as a game control means for controlling the progress of the game, or functions as a payout control means for controlling the coin payout operation.
[0028]
  The game control device 7 includes a CPU 7a as a central control device, a ROM 7b that stores a control program to be executed by the CPU 7a and various setting values, a RAM 7c that temporarily stores data during operation of the CPU 7a, various switches, It includes an input / output interface 7d that receives a signal from the sensor and outputs a control signal for each display unit and the variable display unit 6 (reel drive unit 17).
[0029]
  The game control device 7 receives the following signals. For example, a coin detection signal from the coin detection sensor 25, an operation detection signal from a start lever switch 33a attached to the start lever 33, and a stop operation signal from the first reel stop button 34 to the third reel stop button 36 Button operation signals from the 1 bet button 38, the MAX bet button 39 and the credit selection button 41, the reel position detection signal from the reel position detection unit 42 indicating the rotation position (rotation angle) of the reel, and the coins that have been paid out A coin detection signal from the payout coin detection sensor 43, a door open / close detection signal from the front door open / close detection switch 11, an operation signal from the forced payout switch 26, and a reset signal from the reset switch 44. Is entered.
[0030]
  The game control device 7 outputs the following signals. For example, an effect control signal to the effect display unit 50, a display control signal to the bet line display unit 51, the credit number display unit 52, and the payout display unit 53, and the first operation information lamp 54 to the third operation information lamp 56. A light emission control signal, a sound control signal to the sound generator 57 (a kind of operation state notifying means), an operation control signal to the hopper 9 (coin payout portion), a drive signal to the reel drive portion 17, A light emission control signal to a display 58 (a kind of operation state notification means) capable of notifying that the forced payout operation is being performed by a light emission display, a notification control signal to the gaming state notification unit 59, The notification control signal to the notification unit 60 and the operation status information to the operation status information output unit 61 are output.
[0031]
  Next, operations such as games and cleaning (maintenance) by the pachislot machine 1 having the above-described configuration will be described.
[0032]
  First, the game by the pachislot machine 1 will be described. In this pachislot machine 1, a so-called symbol matching game is performed. In this symbol matching game, a bet line is set by inserting coins from a coin insertion slot or by operating the 1 bet button 38 or the MAX bet button 39.
[0033]
  If the bet line is set, the player operates the start lever 33. When the start lever 33 is operated, an operation detection signal from the start lever switch 33 a is input to the game control device 7. When this operation detection signal is input, the game control device 7 controls the reel driving unit 17 to rotate the reels 14 to 16. Thereby, scrolling of the variable display symbol starts, and the player can visually recognize the scroll of the symbol through the variable display window 31.
  Various effects are displayed in conjunction with symbol scrolling. For example, the effect display unit 50 is operated to display an effect, or an effect sound is output from the sound generator 57. In addition, the established small combination notifying unit 60 is operated to display the formed small combination.
[0034]
  If the symbol is scrolled, the player sequentially presses the first reel stop button 34 to the third reel stop button 36 to stop the rotation of the corresponding reel. The rotation of the reel is stopped so that the combination of the predetermined combination is within the range in which the stop control is possible when the flag is established and the reel stop operation is performed. Further, when the flag is not established or within a range in which the stop control is impossible even if the flag is established, the process is stopped so as to derive a lost symbol. Then, when the reels 14 to 16 are stopped and the symbols on the set bet line are aligned in a predetermined winning manner, a winning award according to the winning manner is obtained. For example, award benefits such as a big bonus, regular bonus, challenge time, award coin payout, and replay of the symbol matching game can be obtained.
  Here, when paying out prize coins, the game control device 7 functions as a payout control means of the present invention, operates the hopper 9 based on the established prize, and pays out the number of coins corresponding to the prize. . The paid-out prize coin is discharged to the tray 32 through the coin discharge port 40.
[0035]
  Next, a case where maintenance of the pachislot machine 1 such as cleaning of the inside of the hopper 9 is performed will be described. Maintenance work for the pachislot machine 1 is performed after the end of the business day or before the business start. In this maintenance work, coins stored in the hopper 9 are extracted to the outside as necessary, and the hopper 9 is cleaned. Further, when foreign matter has entered the hopper 9 even during business, the stored coins are extracted outside in order to remove the foreign matter.
[0036]
  When extracting the stored coins, an operator such as a hall clerk first releases the locked state of the front door 2 with a key and opens the front door 2. When the front door 2 is opened, the operator turns on the forced payout switch 26 with a coin receiving container such as a bucket placed in front of the hopper outlet 22. In the present embodiment, the on operation is performed by tilting the lever 27 of the forced payout switch 26 upward.
[0037]
  Here, the game control device 7 (payout control means) executes the forced payout operation on condition that the operation-on state of the forced payout switch 26 continues for the monitoring reference time or more. This monitoring reference time can be appropriately set according to the setting of the pachislot machine 1, but is a time that can distinguish between an on operation due to fraud and a regular on operation performed by an operator. For example, if it is set to 10 seconds, it is possible to reliably distinguish an on-operation due to fraud and a regular on-operation.
  In the present embodiment, an instruction display unit 62 (see FIG. 2) is provided next to the forced payout switch 26. The instruction display unit 62 is configured by, for example, a light emitting element such as an LED, and emits light when the elapsed time from the on operation does not reach the monitoring reference time, and prompts the operator to continue the on operation. is there. The instruction display unit 62 may be configured to display in another manner. In short, it is only necessary that the player can grasp whether the condition is satisfied.
[0038]
  At this time, the game control device 7 functions as an on-time timing unit, and counts time on condition that the forced payout switch 26 is switched to the operation-on state. This timing is performed using a monitoring timer. This monitoring timer is provided in the RAM 7c, for example, and starts counting time when the operation is turned on. When the measured time reaches the monitoring reference time, the time is up and the operation is stopped.
  The game control device 7 also functions as a compulsory payout information output means, and the operation setting information of the hopper 9 (a kind of compulsory payout information according to the present invention) on the condition that the operation on time is equal to or longer than the monitoring reference time. ) Is output. Further, the game control device 7 also functions as a forced payout operation executing means, and operates the hopper 9 based on the output of the operation setting information of the hopper 9 to perform the forced payout operation of coins.
[0039]
  During the forced payout operation, the display 58 and the sound generator 57 function as the operation state notifying means of the present invention to notify the outside that the forced payout operation is being performed. That is, the display 58 emits light during the execution period, and the sound generator 57 generates sound such as sound and alarm sound.
[0040]
  Upon confirming the start of the coin forcible payout operation, the operator releases his hand from the forcible payout switch 26. As a result, the lever 27 of the forced payout switch 26 returns to the neutral state, and the output of the operation on signal is stopped.
  If the coin forcible payout operation is started on the condition that it has been continuously turned on over the monitoring reference time as in the present embodiment, the forced payout switch 26 is erroneously operated during the operation. It is also possible to prevent an operation due to an operation error, for example. This is because in order to force the coins to be forcibly paid out by the forcible payout switch 26, the lever 27 must be kept on for a long time.
[0041]
  The forced coin payout operation by the hopper 9 is continued until the lever 27 of the forced payout switch 26 is turned off. As a result, the worker can leave the pachislot machine 1 even when one pachislot machine 1 (hopper 9) is performing the forced payout operation of coins. As a result, the forced payout operation can be started for the other pachislot machines 1 and the work efficiency can be improved.
[0042]
  When all the coins in the hopper 9 are discharged, the operator turns off the lever 27 of the forced payout switch 26. That is, the lever 27 is tilted downward. By this turning-off operation, an off signal is outputted from the forced payout switch 26 and inputted to the game control device 7. The game control device 7 that has received this off signal functions as the forced payout operation stop means of the present invention and stops the forced payout operation being executed. In this embodiment, by performing the stop setting of the hopper 9, that is, by stopping the output of the operation setting information, the forced payout operation by the hopper 9 is stopped.
[0043]
  Then, the operator performs an operation such as cleaning on the hopper 9 from which the coins are discharged, and when this operation is completed, the front door 2 is closed and locked. Note that coins are supplied to the hopper 9 after the work from the island facility side.
[0044]
  Next, an operation when an unauthorized operation is performed on the forced payout switch 26 during a game will be described.
[0045]
  The fraudster performs the above-mentioned pachislot game as with other players, or pretends to perform and asks for opportunities for fraud. Then, an unauthorized operation tool such as a transparent cell plate is inserted little by little through the gap between the coin discharge port 40 and the hopper outlet 22 and the gap between the front door 2 and the housing body 3. At this time, since the injustice cannot see the inside of the gaming machine, the unauthorized operation tool is inserted and the forced payout switch 26 is searched for depending on the sense of the fingertip. Then, when the unauthorized operation tool hits an object that seems to be a forced payout switch 26, the unauthorized operation tool is swiftly moved up, down, left and right to try to turn it on.
[0046]
  Here, in this embodiment, the game control device 7 (forced payout information output means) does not output the operation setting information of the hopper 9 unless the operation-on state of the forced payout switch 26 continues for the monitoring reference time or longer. If the fraudster simply moves the fraudulent operation tool, the on-operation time is insufficient and the coins are not forcibly paid out. In particular, in the case where a fraudulent act is carried out by groping using a fraudulent operation tool such as a cell board, it is difficult to continuously perform the on operation with the fraudulent operation tool.
[0047]
  Furthermore, the game control device 7 also functions as an abnormal state notification unit of the present invention, and if the forced payout switch 26 changes to a state other than on, that is, a neutral state or an off state before the monitoring reference time has elapsed, Announce the status. The notification of the abnormal state is performed, for example, by outputting an abnormality notification signal to the outside of the pachislot machine 1. This abnormality notification signal is output to, for example, a hall computer (so-called management device), and identifies the pachislot machine 1 that has output the abnormality notification signal. And the operator of the hall computer can capture the behavior of the cheating person in the pachislot machine 1 with the monitoring camera, or contact the store clerk to check the existence of the cheating action. Can respond.
[0048]
  It should be noted that, by outputting this abnormality notification signal, an island facility-side notification unit such as a representative lamp of the island facility or an individual calling lamp provided corresponding to the pachislot machine 1 may be caused to emit light in a manner of abnormality notification. In this case, since a salesclerk or the like in the vicinity is immediately rushed to the pachislot machine 1 that has output the abnormality notification signal, it is possible to reliably detect an illegal act. In addition, since the coin is not discharged even if the fraudulent operation tool is moved, it is conceivable that the fraudulent person moves the fraudulent operation tool by expanding the range. In this case, since the usage time of the unauthorized operation tool becomes longer and the abnormality notification signal is output many times, the unauthorized action can be detected more reliably.
[0049]
  Furthermore, even if an unauthorized person succeeds in operating the hopper 9 with the forced payout switch 26 turned on for a period of time longer than the monitoring reference time, the information is displayed during the operation period of the hopper 9. The device 58 and the sound generator 57 (operating state notifying means) are operated to notify the outside that the forced payout operation is being performed in a manner (light emission or alarm sound) different from the normal payout of the game medium. For this reason, fraudulent acts by fraudulent persons are easily detected by other players, shop assistants and the like who are playing around.
  And since this abnormality notification is performed with light and sound, the content of the notification can be easily recognized even from a relatively long distance or even a clerk walking fast in the hall. For this reason, when a fraudulent person performs a fraudulent act during business hours, this can be detected reliably.
[0050]
  Note that the abnormality notification and the forced payout operation of coins by the hopper 9 cannot be canceled unless the forced payout switch 26 is turned off. For this reason, until the turning-off operation is performed, the hopper 9 continuously pays out coins, and it is obvious from the surroundings that the state is abnormal. Furthermore, it is difficult to turn off the forced payout switch 26 again using an unauthorized operation tool under such conspicuous conditions. Therefore, the crime prevention effect can also be enhanced in this respect.
[0051]
  As described above, in the present embodiment, the game medium payout operation by the hopper 9 is executed on the condition that the operation-on state of the forced payout switch 26 has continued for the monitoring reference time or longer. It is possible to surely prevent cheating by a serious player.
[0052]
  Next, control by the game control device 7 for realizing the above operation will be described. Here, FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining the coin forced payout switch monitoring process which is a part of the game control performed by the game control device 7. The series of processes shown in this flowchart is executed from S1 every predetermined cycle (for example, every 4 ms).
[0053]
  In this coin forced payout switch monitoring process, first, in S1, it is determined whether or not there is a forced payout execution flag. This forced payout execution flag is a flag for recognizing whether or not the hopper 9 is operating, and is set during the hopper 9 operating period. If the forced payout execution flag has not been set yet, the process proceeds to S2, and if it has been set, the process proceeds to S14. Here, the case where the flag is not set will be described first.
[0054]
  In S2, it is determined whether or not the forced payout switch 26 is turned on. If it is determined that the forced payout switch 26 is not turned on, it is determined in S3 whether the monitoring timer is operating. Here, when it is in operation (when the monitoring reference time has not yet been reached), the process proceeds to S4 and abnormality notification is set. When this abnormality notification is set, the game control device 7 functions as an abnormal state notification means in a signal output process (not shown) that is performed after the coin forced payout switch monitoring process ends, and the abnormality notification signal is transmitted to the hall computer or the like. Output to. If it is determined in S3 that the monitoring timer is not operating, or if abnormality notification is set in S4, the monitoring timer is cleared in S5, and then a series of forced coin payout switch monitoring processes are terminated. , Perform other processing.
[0055]
  On the other hand, if it is determined in S2 that the forced payout switch 26 is turned on, it is determined in S6 whether the monitoring timer is operating. Here, if the monitoring timer is not in operation, it is treated as immediately after switching to the ON operation, and the operation of the monitoring timer is started in S7. If the monitoring timer is operating, the process proceeds to S8 to determine whether or not the monitoring timer has expired. Here, if the monitoring timer has not expired, the forced payout switch 26 continues to be turned on, but the operation time has not reached the monitoring reference time, so the forced payout condition is not satisfied in S9. The notification to the effect is set. When this notification is set, a light emission control signal for causing the instruction display unit 62 to emit light is output in a signal output process (not shown), and the light emission (for example, normal notification) of the instruction display unit 62 is output. The operator is informed that the condition is not satisfied by a different flashing light emission or the like).
[0056]
  If it is determined in S8 that the monitoring timer has timed out, it means that the ON operation of the forced payout switch 26 has been continued for the monitoring reference time, so that the store clerk or the like turns on the forced payout switch 26 in a regular procedure. It can be determined that the operation was performed. For this reason, the process for operating the hopper 9 is performed.
[0057]
  That is, the monitoring timer is cleared in S10, and the forced payout execution control flag is set in S11. When this flag is set, the process proceeds from S1 to S14 in the next cycle. In subsequent S12, the operation setting of the hopper 9 is performed. With this operation setting in S12, an operation control signal for operating the hopper 9 in the signal output process is output. Further, in S13, a notification that the forced payout is executed is set. When this notification is set, a light emission control signal for causing the display 58 to emit light and a sound control signal for generating a sound such as an alarm sound are output from the sound generator 57 in the signal output process. The light emission control signal for causing the instruction display unit 62 to emit light is stopped.
[0058]
  Next, a description will be given of control when the forced payout execution flag is set, that is, during a period in which the coins are forcibly paid out by the hopper 9. In this case, first, in S14, it is determined whether or not the forced payout switch 26 is turned off. If the off operation has not been performed, the coin forced payout switch monitoring process is terminated, and other processes are executed. In this case, the forced payout operation of coins by the hopper 9 is continuously performed.
[0059]
  If the forced payout switch 26 is turned off in S14, it can be determined that the operator has turned off the forced payout switch 26. For this reason, the process for stopping the operation of the hopper 9 is performed.
[0060]
  That is, the stop setting of the hopper 9 is performed in S15. By the stop setting in S15, the output of the operation control signal to the hopper 9 is stopped in the signal output process. As a result, the operation of the hopper 9 is stopped. Further, in S16, the forced payout execution flag is cleared, and in S17, a notification stop for executing the forced payout is set. With this notification stop setting, in the signal output processing, the light emission control signal and the control signal to the sound control signal are stopped, and the abnormality notification is ended.
[0061]
  In the first embodiment described above, the forced payout operation by the hopper 9 is illustrated as being stopped by turning off the forced payout switch 26. However, the forced payout operation may be automatically stopped.
[0062]
  In this modification, the game control device 7 also functions as a discharge end determination unit, and monitors the coin detection signal from the payout coin detection sensor 43 while the hopper 9 is executing the forced payout operation. When the next coin is not detected over the determination reference time (a time sufficient for determining the end of discharge, for example, 2 to 5 seconds) from the immediately preceding coin detection timing, Determination is made, and the forced payout operation by the hopper 9 is stopped.
  In addition, regarding the determination reference time, an example of a slight time of 2 to 5 seconds is shown in this example, but the determination reference time is not limited thereto, and may be set to a long time such as 2 minutes or more. Thus, when the determination reference time is set to a long time, the time for abnormality notification becomes longer, and it becomes difficult to escape from this abnormality notification when an unscrupulous player performs an illegal act.
[0063]
  The control (payout monitoring process) of this modification will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The series of processing shown in this flowchart is also executed from S21 every predetermined cycle (for example, every 4 ms).
[0064]
  In this process, first, in S21, it is confirmed whether or not the hopper 9 is set to operate. Here, when there is no operation setting, a series of processes are terminated and the process proceeds to another process. If the operation setting of the hopper 9 is set, the process proceeds to S22 to check whether or not the operation setting of the hopper 9 is set by paying out a prize coin. Here, when the operation setting is based on the payout of award coins, the process proceeds to S23 to determine whether or not the number of coins counted is a predetermined number corresponding to the award mode. Sets the operation stop of the hopper 9 in S24. If the number is less than the predetermined number, the series of processes is terminated and the process proceeds to another process.
[0065]
  If it is determined in the confirmation process of S22 that the operation is not set by award coin payout, the process proceeds to S25 to determine whether or not the determination reference time has elapsed from the coin detection timing detected immediately before. Here, if the determination reference time has not yet elapsed, the series of processes is terminated and the process proceeds to another process. If the determination reference time has elapsed, the stop setting of the hopper 9 is performed in S26, and the forced payout execution flag is cleared in S27.
[0066]
  In this modified example, in the forced payout operation of the hopper 9, the hopper 9 automatically stops when all the coins are paid out.workIn this case, forgetting to stop the hopper 9 can be prevented, and usability can be improved. Further, even if an unscrupulous player succeeds in operating the hopper 9 using an unauthorized operation tool, the hopper 9 does not stop the forced discharging operation until all the stored coins are discharged. Can be easily discovered from the surroundings by overflowing from the saucer 32 or the like. Therefore, crime prevention can be improved.
[0067]
  Further, the forced payout operation by the hopper 9 may be stopped based on an operation stop signal from the remote controller. In this modification, a receiver is electrically connected to the game control device 7. The game control device 7 functions as a stop condition monitoring unit, and monitors an operation stop signal from a remote controller (not shown) while the hopper 9 is executing a forced payout operation. Then, it is determined that the stop condition is satisfied by receiving this operation stop signal, and the forced payout operation by the hopper 9 is stopped.
  In this modified example, the forced payout operation by the hopper 9 cannot be stopped without using a remote controller. Therefore, even if an unauthorized person succeeds in making the hopper 9 forcibly payout, it is difficult to stop it. . For this reason, the forced payout operation is continuously performed, and it is obvious from the surrounding players and store clerk that the illegal act is being performed. As a result, the crime prevention effect can be enhanced.
[0068]
  By the way, in said 1st Embodiment and its modification, the open state of the front door 2 was not considered in particular, However, By adding that the front door 2 is open | released as a condition, prevention of fraud The effect can be further enhanced. Hereinafter, another embodiment configured as described above will be described.
[0069]
  First, a second embodiment will be described. In this second embodiment, the game control device 7 functions as a front door open state determining means, a forced payout information output means, and a forced payout operation executing means, and the operation on state of the forced payout switch 26 has reached the monitoring reference time. When the front door 2 is opened, the operation setting information (a kind of forced payout information) of the hopper 9 is output on the condition that the front door 2 is opened. The forced payout operation is executed.
[0070]
  Control for realizing this operation will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In this flowchart, the same processes as those in the flowchart (FIG. 4) of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals.
  This series of processes is also executed from S1 at predetermined intervals (for example, every 4 ms). Further, in this flowchart, the notification-related processing (for example, S4 and S13) performed in the first embodiment is omitted, but of course, these notification-related processing may be added.
[0071]
  In this coin forced payout switch monitoring process, the processes until the monitoring reference time elapses (the processes in S1 to S10) are substantially the same as those in the first embodiment. That is, the presence or absence of the forced payout execution flag is determined in S1, and if it is not set yet, the process proceeds to S2 to determine whether or not the forced payout switch 26 is turned on, and the forced payout switch 26 is turned on. If it is determined that it has not been performed, the monitoring timer is cleared in S5.
[0072]
  If the forced payout switch 26 is turned on, it is determined in S6 whether or not the monitoring timer is operating. If the monitoring timer is not operating, the monitoring timer is started in S7. To do. On the other hand, if the monitoring timer is operating, it is determined in S8 whether or not the monitoring timer has expired. If the time is up, the monitoring timer is cleared in S10.
[0073]
  If the monitoring timer is cleared in S10, the open state of the front door 2 is determined in S31. Here, when the front door 2 is opened, it can be determined that an operator such as a store clerk has turned on the forced payout switch 26 according to a normal procedure, and therefore processing for operating the hopper 9 is performed. That is, the forced payout execution control flag is set in S11, and the operation of the hopper 9 is set in S12. With this operation setting, coins are forcibly paid out by the hopper 9.
[0074]
  The processing after setting the operation of the hopper 9 is the same as the processing of the first embodiment, and the operation of the hopper 9 is stopped when the forced payout switch 26 is turned off. Briefly, first, it is determined whether or not the forced payout switch 26 is turned off in S14, and if it is turned off, the stop setting of the hopper 9 is cleared in S15 and the forced payout execution flag is cleared in S16. .
[0075]
  In the second embodiment in which such an operation is performed, since the fact that the front door 2 is open is added to the condition for forced coins to be paid out by the hopper 9, the fraudulent act is performed while the front door 2 is closed. Even if you try to do it, you can not pay out coins. For this reason, a high crime prevention effect can be acquired.
  Even if a large-scale fraudulent attempt is made, such as forcibly paying out with the front door 2 open, the front door 2 is open, so the fraudulent act is obvious, Can be found.
  Furthermore, if the game control device 7 is also functioned as an opening detection signal output means and the opening detection signal is output to the hall computer when the front door 2 is opened, the hall manager or the like can easily find an illegal act. it can.
[0076]
  Next, a third embodiment will be described. In this third embodiment, the game control device 7 functions as a front door open state determination means, a forced payout information output means, and a forced payout operation execution means, and forcibly pays out while the front door 2 is determined to be in the open state. Operation setting information (a kind of compulsory payout information) of the hopper 9 is output on condition that the operation on state of the switch 26 has continued for the monitoring reference time or longer, and the coins are forcibly paid out based on the operation setting information. Is executed.
[0077]
  Control for realizing this operation will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. Also in this flowchart, the same processes as those in the flowchart of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the notification-related processes performed in the first embodiment are omitted.
[0078]
  In this coin forced payout switch monitoring process, first, it is determined whether or not there is a forced payout execution flag in S1, and if it is not set yet, the process proceeds to S2 and it is determined whether or not the forced payout switch 26 is turned on. If it is determined in S2 that the forced payout switch 26 is not turned on, the monitoring timer is cleared in S5.
[0079]
  If the forced payout switch 26 is turned on, it is determined in S41 whether or not the front door 2 is open. If not, the monitoring timer is cleared in S5. For this reason, even if the forced payout switch 26 is turned on, the monitoring timer is cleared if the front door 2 is closed.
[0080]
  If the front door 2 is in the open state, it is determined in S6 whether or not the monitoring timer is operating. If the monitoring timer is not operating, the monitoring timer is started in S7. On the other hand, if the monitoring timer is operating, the process proceeds to S8 to determine whether or not the monitoring timer has expired.
[0081]
  When the time is up, a process for operating the hopper 9 is performed. That is, the monitoring timer is cleared in S10, the forced payout execution control flag is set in S11, and the operation of the hopper 9 is set in S12. With this operation setting, coins are forcibly paid out by the hopper 9.
  In addition, since the process (S14-S16) after performing the operation | movement setting of the hopper 9 is the same as the process of 2nd Embodiment, description is abbreviate | omitted.
[0082]
  Also in this embodiment, since the fact that the front door 2 is open is added to the execution condition of the forced copout of the coins by the hopper 9, a high crime prevention effect can be obtained, and the front door 2 is opened to perform fraud. Even if you try to do it, the cheating is obvious at a glance and can be detected immediately by the store clerk.
[0083]
  By the way, it should be thought that embodiment disclosed this time is an illustration and restrictive at no points. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.
[0084]
  For example, in each of the above-described embodiments, the housing empty portion forming member is disposed at a position corresponding to the forced payout switch 26 on the back side of the front door 2, and the forced payout switch 26 is stored in the closed state of the front door 2. You may store in an empty part.
[0085]
  The storage space forming member 70 illustrated in FIG. 8 is a box-shaped member that is open on one side, and is produced by molding a resin, processing a sheet metal, or the like. The storage space forming member 70 is sized so that the forced payout switch 26 is accommodated in the inner space 71 serving as a storage space.
  And the accommodation empty part formation member 70 is joined to the back surface side of the front door 2 by the bottom part 70a becoming an attachment part. That is, it is joined directly to the back surface of the front door 2 or indirectly joined via an attachment member. Thereby, the open surface of the inner space 71 is in a state of facing backward.
[0086]
  Since the housing empty space forming member 70 moves together with the front door 2, when the front door 2 is opened, it is separated from the forced payout switch 26 as shown in FIG. On the other hand, when the front door 2 is closed, as shown in FIG. 8B, the forced payout switch 26 is just in the inner space 71 (storage empty portion) of the storage empty portion forming member 70. In this stored state, the forced payout switch 26 is surrounded by a side wall 70 b that partitions the side of the inner space 71.
  For this reason, it becomes difficult to operate the lever 27 of the forced payout switch 26 even if an unauthorized operation tool such as a cell plate is used, and an unauthorized act can be prevented.
[0087]
  The storage space forming member is not limited to a box shape as long as a storage space can be formed. For example, it may be cylindrical.
[0088]
  Moreover, in each embodiment mentioned above, although each part was controlled by the game control apparatus 7, this invention is not limited to this structure.
  For example, the control device is divided into a first control device that mainly performs signal processing from detection units such as various sensors and switches, and a second control device that mainly performs operation control on the operation unit such as the hopper 9. A forced payout signal (a kind of forced payout information of the present invention) may be output from the first control device to the second control device.
  In this configuration, the first control device functions as the forced payout information output means and the front door open state determination means of the present invention, and the second control device performs the forced payout operation execution means, the forced payout operation stop means of the present invention, It functions as an operating state notifying unit and an abnormal state notifying unit.
[0089]
  The present invention is not limited to the pachislot machine 1, but a predetermined number of game media are paid out based on the prize signal, and the game media in the game media payout device is forced based on the operation of the forced payout switch 26. It can be applied to a gaming machine having a structure of paying out automatically. For example, the present invention can also be applied to so-called ball slot machines and pachinko machines equipped with a game ball as a game medium and a ball discharge device as a game medium payout device.
[0090]
【The invention's effect】
  As described above, the present invention has the following effects.
  In other words, according to the first aspect of the present invention, the game medium inside the apparatus cannot be forcibly paid out unless the on operation for the forced payout switch is continuously performed over the monitoring reference time. . For this reason, if an unauthorized person simply turns on the forced payout switch in the same manner as a normal switch, the on-operation time is insufficient and the game medium is not paid out. In particular, when performing an illegal act by groping using a fraudulent operation tool such as a cell board, it is difficult to continuously perform an on operation with the fraudulent operation tool.Then, an abnormal state notification means for notifying the abnormal state is provided on the condition that the forced discharge switch has changed to a state other than the ON state within a monitoring period (within the monitoring reference time) starting from the ON operation of the forced discharge switch. Since it is provided, it is possible to detect illegal acts by the unauthorized operation tool at an early stage.
  In addition, even if the fraudster knows that the game medium payout device operates by continuing the on operation, the unnatural gesture during the on operation is relatively long when performing the fraud. Since it continues over time, hall clerk can easily find out that fraudulent acts are being done by the gesture.
  As described above, in the present invention, the forced payout switch is used as an execution condition that the operation-on state for the forced payout switch continues for the monitoring reference time or more.If the forced payout switch has changed to a state other than ON within this monitoring reference time, a notification of an abnormal state is given.With this simple configuration, illegal acts from the outside can be prevented, and the forced payout function is not impaired.
[0091]
  According to the invention of claim 2,Since the forced payout operation is stopped when all the stored game media are discharged, it is possible to prevent the device from being forgotten to be stopped during maintenance work such as at the end of business, and the usability can be improved. In addition, even if the fraudster succeeds in operating the game medium payout device, the payout is continuously performed until all the game media are discharged, and this payout operation does not stop. It becomes obvious that the state is abnormal, and cheating can be easily detected from the surroundings. Therefore, crime prevention can be improved.
[0092]
  Claim 3According to the invention described in the above, since the fact that the front door is open is added to the execution condition of the forced payout of the game media by the game media payout device, the fraudulent person performs the cheating with the front door closed. However, game media cannot be paid out. For this reason, a high crime prevention effect can be acquired. Furthermore, even if a large-scale fraudulent attempt is made such as forcibly paying out with the front door open, the front door is open, so the fraudulent activity is obvious at a glance. Can detect cheating.
[0093]
  Claim 4According to the invention described in the above, when the front door is closed, the forced payout switch is stored in a state surrounded by the storage space forming member, so that the switch operation by the unauthorized operation tool can be surely prevented, and a high crime prevention effect. Is obtained.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachislot machine.
2A is a front view of a pachislot machine with a front door opened, FIG. 2B is a diagram illustrating a front door opening / closing switch, and FIG. 2C is a diagram illustrating a forced payout switch.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating the electrical configuration of the pachislot machine.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating control of the first embodiment.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating control of a modification of the first embodiment.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating control of the second embodiment.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating control of the third embodiment.
FIGS. 8A and 8B are diagrams illustrating a storage space forming member. FIG.
[Explanation of symbols]
  1 Pachislot machine
  2 Front door
  3 Case body
  4 shelf boards
  5 Upper empty space
  6 Fluctuation display unit
  7 Game control device
  8 lower space
  9 Hopper
10 Power supply unit
11 Front door open / close switch
12 Switch case
13 Detector
14 First reel
15 Reel
16 3rd reel
17 Reel controller
20 coin storage
21 Discharge mechanism
22 Hopper exit
23 Overflow outlet
24 Collection box
25 Coin detection sensor
26 Forced payout switch
27 Lever
30 Operation unit
31 Variable display window
32 coin tray
33 Start lever
34 First reel stop button
35 Second reel stop button
36 Third reel stop button
37 Coin slot
38 1 bet button
39 MAX bet buttons
40 coin outlet
41 Credit selection button
42 Reel position detector
43 Payout coin detection sensor
44 Reset switch
50 Production display section
51 Bet line display
52 credit number display
53 Dispensing display area
54 First operation information lamp
55 Second operation information lamp
56 Third operation information lamp
57 sound generator
58 Display
59 Game state notification section
60 small part notification section
61 Operation status information output section
62 Instruction display section
70. Storage space forming member
71 Inside space

Claims (4)

Based on the establishment of the prize, the game media payout device is operated to pay out a predetermined number of game media, and the game media payout device is operated based on the operation of the forced payout switch to forcibly pay out the game media in the device. In a gaming machine equipped with a payout control means,
The payout control means includes:
Forced payout information output means for outputting forced payout information on condition that the operation on state of the forced payout switch has continued for the monitoring reference time or more;
Based on the forced payout information from the forced payout information output means, forced payout operation executing means for executing a game medium payout operation by the game medium payout device;
A forced payout operation stopping means for stopping the game medium payout operation executed by the forced payout operation executing means;
Only including,
A game characterized by providing an abnormal state notification means for notifying an abnormal condition on condition that the forced payout switch has changed to a state other than ON within the monitoring period starting from the on operation of the forced payout switch. Machine. When the game medium payout operation is executed by the forced payout operation executing means, the game medium payout operation is not stopped until all the game media stored in the game medium payout device are discharged. The gaming machine according to claim 1. A housing main body having an installation space capable of storing the game medium payout device and having an open front surface; and a front door having one side portion pivotally attached to the housing main body and capable of opening and closing the opening surface of the installation space. The front door open / close detection switch that can detect the open / closed state of the front door and the front door open / close state detection means that can determine the open state of the front door based on the detection signal from the front door open / close detection switch The switch is arranged in a closed space formed by the closed front door and the casing main body,
The forced payout information output means outputs the forced payout information on the condition that the operation state of the forced payout switch has continued for a monitoring reference time or longer with the front door open state determining means determined to be in the open state. The gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that . A storage empty portion that includes at least a mounting portion and a side wall portion that are attached to the rear surface side of the front door at a position corresponding to the forced payout switch on the rear surface side of the front door, and forms a storage empty portion with the rear surface open. Arranging the forming member,
  4. The gaming machine according to claim 3, wherein the forcible payout switch is stored in a state surrounded by a storage space forming member when the front door is closed.

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